Pope calls for world peace on Easter

April 7, 1996
Web posted at: 1:30 p.m. EST (1730 GMT)

VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- Standing confidently in the bright sunshine of St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II led an Easter celebration for Roman Catholics and other visitors.

The 75-year-old pontiff made peace in the world's trouble spots his central theme during Mass and in his "Urbi et Orbi" (Latin for "to the city and the world") message. He wished the world a happy Easter in more than 50 languages.

"The Lord is risen, and grants to those who share in his triumph over death the courage and the strength to continue to build up a new humanity by refusing every kind of violence, sectarianism and injustice," the pope said.

The pontiff, wearing resplendent white and gold vestments, recited and sang the Mass from the steps of St. Peter's, where thousands of azaleas, tulips, roses and carnations adorned the altar.

After Mass, the pope stood on the basilica's central balcony overlooking the square where a crowd of more than 100,000 had gathered to celebrate Christ's resurrection from death. Easter is the most important holy day for Christians because they believe the resurrection was part of God's plan for redemption of church followers.

The pope prayed that the risen Christ would "enlighten and guide all those who are building peace every day in every corner of the globe at the cost of great sacrifices."

The pope continued, "O victor over death, strengthen the artisans of justice and peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Ireland and the Middle East, and particularly in the Holy Land, where hopes for peaceful co-existence are still jeopardized by recourse to force and violence."

The leader of the world's 960 million Roman Catholics delivered his Easter message via television to 65 countries, and despite recent medical problems the pope appeared in good health.

He also looked well during a three-hour Holy Saturday vigil at St. Peter's that ended shortly after midnight.

Last month, the pope had to cancel and postpone engagements after suffering what Vatican officials said was a fever and digestive problems. Last Christmas, the pope cut short his "Urbi et Orbi" message, because of a fever.

Lately, a cough has hindered the pope's public addresses, but his voice resonated Sunday.

"Yes, we know for certain that Christ is truly risen from the dead," he told the crowd.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Related story:

• Pope reaches out to Asia on Easter's eve

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